The Missouri Valley College athletic training staff was recognized recently by the Mid-America Athletic Trainer’s Association at its Honors and Awards banquet with the “Dr. Denis “Izzy” Isrow Above and Beyond the Call of Duty Award.”

A press release says the MVC athletic training staff received the prestigious award, along with all athletic training staffs in the organization’s Region Five area, for its exemplary work in handling the many challenges faced during the COVID-19 pandemic. The award recognizes those athletic trainers whose actions and activities have gone beyond what is expected or required within the routine call of duty.

“The past two years have been quite the whirlwind,” Head Athletic Trainer Vince Fedorowich said “We have gone from no sports to doing symptom checks for COVID-19; to performing COVID-19 testing; to running through return-to-play protocols for individuals that recovered from COVID-19 on top of all the other duties that are part of our daily routine as athletic trainers. It has been very stressful and difficult, but I’m very proud of how the athletic training staff has pulled together, shown resilience, and been extremely adaptable to the ever-changing situations we’ve faced. This has been a great staff to work with over the past couple of years, and I thank each and every one of them from the bottom of my heart for all the hard work they’ve accomplished.”

March is National Athletic Training Month, recognizing and spreading awareness about the important work of athletic trainers.

“Winning the Dr. “Izzy” Isrow Award is something very special or myself and the staff,” Federowich said. “To be recognized for our efforts over the past couple of years is very humbling, but it also reinforces my thoughts on the impact that we have in the athletics community. I will say that the staff and I were a little shocked by being presented with award, and but overall I think we are very grateful to be recognized along with so many other great athletic trainers throughout the region.”

Joining Federowich on the athletic training staff are Assistant Athletic Trainers Richelle Perkins, Josh Laird, Danielle Riley, Jessica Austin and Jordyn Reese; Associate Professor and Athletic Trainer John Bartholomew; and Vice President of Academic Affairs Dr. Diane Bartholomew.